Resolving the Resolution Rut

As the charm of the New Year starts to fade, the cold dark mornings make it hard to find motivation. But what if the key to staying motivated lies not in self-critique but in embracing nature?

We reflect on how we want to “improve” ourselves, often being overly critical and harsh with “New Year New Me” plastered across the media.  Out comes the fancy stationery and a clean, empty notebook, ready to transform our lives once again, only to end up setting unrealistic goals and falling at the same hurdle.

We scribble words that might inspire us to suddenly become “the best versions of ourselves”: exercise more, lose weight, spend more time with family, save money, improve mental health, be more social, spend less time on our phones, learn something new, learn a new language.

What if this year we redirected our attention externally, – focusing on improving something else other than our imperfections?  It might surprise us how many of our personal goals would fall into place if we made a resolution to nature instead.

By jumping on a volunteer day once or twice a month, not only are you protecting Eryri and the species living within, but you’re also out in nature, getting fitter, stronger, more mentally resilient, and gaining new skills. You won’t feel the need to check your social media or emails because you’ll be in the most beautiful landscapes the UK has to offer, chatting and sharing knowledge with like-minded people, even brushing up on your Welsh language skills with fellow volunteers.

After a while, we might come to realise that everything we wanted to achieve in our personal lives is a by-product of what happens when we’re out there living our lives, enjoying ourselves without the pressure of ticking boxes and long lists.

So, if there’s one resolution to make in 2025, let it be to protect our natural world. In doing so, you might just find yourself becoming the best version of you—effortlessly!

Peri Smith – Development Officer 

Complete the volunteer form here